Excerpt from Nuclear Power Generation Industry Profile

Companies in this industry operate nuclear power generation plants that provide electricity to transmission and distribution systems. Major companies include US utilities Entergy, Exelon, and STP Nuclear, as well as AREVA and Electricité de France (both based in France).

Some 440 nuclear power reactors supply about 11% of the world's electricity. More than 30 countries use nuclear energy to generate electricity. The US is the top producer, followed by France, China, Russia, South Korea, and Canada, according to the World Nuclear Association.

The US nuclear power generation industry includes about 160 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $29 billion.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by commercial, government, and residential needs for electricity, which are influenced by economic conditions and population growth. The profitability of individual companies depends on managing costs related to regulations and fuel. Large companies have economies of scale in purchasing and administration. Smaller companies can compete effectively by serving areas with high demand. The US industry is highly concentrated: the top eight companies account for about 80% of revenue.

Nuclear plants compete with other power sources. Fossil-fueled plants, powered by coal and gas, dominate the market. Growing concerns over environmental and geopolitical issues push many new developments toward renewable sources such as wind and solar power plants. Government incentive programs also encourage development of renewable power generation facilities.